Heat Treatment Manager (Klin Drying & Thermal Modification)

Reeracoen Recruitment; Pahang; On-site; MYR 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is looking for a Heat Treatment Manager in Malaysia, Pahang. This role involves managing heat treatment processes, ensuring quality control, and optimizing production cycles. The ideal candidate will have experience in heat treatment, strong analytical skills, and a background in team training. Key responsibilities include developing stacking methods, conducting quality checks, and implementing continuous improvements. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in heat treatment processes and equipment.
• Knowledge of moisture content management and quality control.
• Strong analytical skills to optimize treatment cycles.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enforce correct stacking methods.
• Plan and optimize heat-treatment cycles.
• Conduct quality control checkpoints during treatment.
• Oversee daily inspections of kilns and equipment.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Stacking methods

Heat treatment cycles

Quality control

Data analysis

Training and team management

Job description

Heat Treatment Manager (Klin Drying & Thermal Modification)

1. Stacking Standards & Material Preparation

• Develop and enforce correct stacking methods for different species and dimensions
• Ensure even sticker spacing, airflow paths, board alignment, and load stability
• Train stacking teams to minimize warping, twisting, surface checking, inconsistent drying
• Inspect all loads before they enter the kilns/thermal chambers

2. Heat Treatment Cycle Management (KD & Thermal)

• Plan, run, and optimize heat-treatment cycles for all species
• Ensure accurate control of temperature ramps, humidity schedules, airflow
• Adjust cycles based on board thickness, MC content, grain orientation, and defects
• Monitor and analyze live data from sensors and probes
• Maintain accurate documentation for every cycle

3. Defect Prevention & Quality Control During Treatment

• Conduct QC checkpoints:
• Pre-loading moisture content
• Mid-cycle sampling
• Final MC checks
• Visual grading post-treatment
• Reduce reject rates caused by:
• Warping/bending
• Inconsistent MC
• Honeycombing
• Internal/surface checks
• Color inconsistency
• Perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective action

4. Machine, Kiln & Equipment Reliability

• Oversee daily inspection and function checks for kilns, thermal modification chambers, fans/blowers, sensors, moisture meters
• Work closely with engineering to minimize downtime from faulty sensors, boiler pressure drops, air leaks, fan failures, temperature inconsistencies
• Implement preventive maintenance schedule (weekly/monthly) and ensure calibration of all instruments and controls

5. Continuous Improvement & Yield Optimization

• Analyze data to improve recovery %, reduce cycle duration, and lower energy usage
• Optimize airflow patterns, chamber loading capacity, energy consumption
• Lead small trials to improve thermal modification performance, deeper color penetration, durability performance
• Set and track KPIs: Net Recovery Rate, Reject Rate, Cycle Efficiency, Cost/M(3) Treated

6. Training and Team Competency

• Train kiln/thermal operators in proper control, safety, and QC
• Build strong discipline for SOPs and documentation
• Improve operator understanding of wood behavior during drying